Eighth graders take treasure trove of memories, faith experiences to high school
June 18, 2024 at 12:41 p.m.
Maria Spirito had words of wisdom for the eighth-grade graduates of St. Paul School, Burlington, where she serves as principal. “Follow your life blueprint unapologetically with strong character and discipline,” Spirito said during the Burlington grammar school’s June 7 graduation ceremony.
PHOTO GALLERY: St. James Elementary
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Paul School, Burlington
PHOTO GALLERY: 8th grade graduations around the Diocese
“Make sure your door is always open both ways so your dreams can get out and your blessings can come in! You are a special group of young men and women. I know you will make a difference.”
This year, Baccalaureate Masses and commencement exercises were held in the early weeks of June for 797 eighth graders graduating from the Diocese’s 25 Catholic grammar schools. Along with receiving diplomas and other awards for academic, athletic and service, the students were encouraged to embrace the next step in their lives – high school.
“St. James Elementary School was proud to graduate 44 students this year, each with their own special talents, remarkable personalities and personal ambitious pursuits,” JoAnn Giordano said of the Red Bank school’s Class of 2024. “Through their years here at SJES, our students have blessed us with many wonderful memories. Each contributed to the culture of our school and helped to create a collaborative and positive learning environment.”
Spirito described this year’s eighth grade class as “truly exceptional, defined by their vibrant spirit and camaraderie.
“What truly made them stand out was their unwavering support of one another and their dedication to service and worship,” she said. “They were always there to lift each other up, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere.”
Noting that many students were involved in the National Junior Honor Society and the student council, Spirito said, “This group’s ability to balance hard work with a joyful attitude made them unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in St. Paul School.”
Spirito and Giordano, along with colleague Jim Vassallo, principal of St. Charles Borromeo School, Cinnaminson, spoke on the significant number of their graduates who will continue their education in a Catholic school.
While Giordano noted that 77% of the St. James’ graduates are pursuing secondary Catholic education and 20 percent are attending specialty vocational secondary schools, Burlington County principals Spirito and Vassallo indicated that their respective graduates will attend Holy Cross Preparatory Academy, Delran; Catholic institutions in the neighboring Camden Diocese or pursue a public-school education.
“We wish our graduates great success and encourage them to continue to listen to God’s Words each day through prayer and remain steadfast in their faith,” Giordano said.
Families of the graduates cited familial bonds and the comfort of a close-knit community, along with receiving a quality education as main reasons for choosing a Catholic school.
Patience Purnsley, mother of graduate Malia Purnsley, said she appreciates that her three children attend a school where they can practice their Catholic faith, effectively learn in small classroom settings, has a qualified faculty and administration who are familiar with the parents and that the parents are encouraged to become involved in the life of the school.
“It’s been a good experience here at St. Paul,” she said, noting that Malia will join her older sister in Holy Cross Preparatory Academy and that her son will be a fifth grader in St. Paul School in the fall.
In his welcome remarks at graduation, St. Paul School’s Dominik Ciepluch, president of the school’s National Junior Honor Society, said, “We learned how to be strong and stay strong in faith, hope and love.
“We made great memories that we’ll never forget. We also made new friends along the way. Each of us had a unique experience that will stay with us forever,” Ciepluch said. “But it is only the beginning of the next chapter in our lives. St. Paul School will always have a special place in our hearts.”
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Maria Spirito had words of wisdom for the eighth-grade graduates of St. Paul School, Burlington, where she serves as principal. “Follow your life blueprint unapologetically with strong character and discipline,” Spirito said during the Burlington grammar school’s June 7 graduation ceremony.
PHOTO GALLERY: St. James Elementary
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Paul School, Burlington
PHOTO GALLERY: 8th grade graduations around the Diocese
“Make sure your door is always open both ways so your dreams can get out and your blessings can come in! You are a special group of young men and women. I know you will make a difference.”
This year, Baccalaureate Masses and commencement exercises were held in the early weeks of June for 797 eighth graders graduating from the Diocese’s 25 Catholic grammar schools. Along with receiving diplomas and other awards for academic, athletic and service, the students were encouraged to embrace the next step in their lives – high school.
“St. James Elementary School was proud to graduate 44 students this year, each with their own special talents, remarkable personalities and personal ambitious pursuits,” JoAnn Giordano said of the Red Bank school’s Class of 2024. “Through their years here at SJES, our students have blessed us with many wonderful memories. Each contributed to the culture of our school and helped to create a collaborative and positive learning environment.”
Spirito described this year’s eighth grade class as “truly exceptional, defined by their vibrant spirit and camaraderie.
“What truly made them stand out was their unwavering support of one another and their dedication to service and worship,” she said. “They were always there to lift each other up, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere.”
Noting that many students were involved in the National Junior Honor Society and the student council, Spirito said, “This group’s ability to balance hard work with a joyful attitude made them unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in St. Paul School.”
Spirito and Giordano, along with colleague Jim Vassallo, principal of St. Charles Borromeo School, Cinnaminson, spoke on the significant number of their graduates who will continue their education in a Catholic school.
While Giordano noted that 77% of the St. James’ graduates are pursuing secondary Catholic education and 20 percent are attending specialty vocational secondary schools, Burlington County principals Spirito and Vassallo indicated that their respective graduates will attend Holy Cross Preparatory Academy, Delran; Catholic institutions in the neighboring Camden Diocese or pursue a public-school education.
“We wish our graduates great success and encourage them to continue to listen to God’s Words each day through prayer and remain steadfast in their faith,” Giordano said.
Families of the graduates cited familial bonds and the comfort of a close-knit community, along with receiving a quality education as main reasons for choosing a Catholic school.
Patience Purnsley, mother of graduate Malia Purnsley, said she appreciates that her three children attend a school where they can practice their Catholic faith, effectively learn in small classroom settings, has a qualified faculty and administration who are familiar with the parents and that the parents are encouraged to become involved in the life of the school.
“It’s been a good experience here at St. Paul,” she said, noting that Malia will join her older sister in Holy Cross Preparatory Academy and that her son will be a fifth grader in St. Paul School in the fall.
In his welcome remarks at graduation, St. Paul School’s Dominik Ciepluch, president of the school’s National Junior Honor Society, said, “We learned how to be strong and stay strong in faith, hope and love.
“We made great memories that we’ll never forget. We also made new friends along the way. Each of us had a unique experience that will stay with us forever,” Ciepluch said. “But it is only the beginning of the next chapter in our lives. St. Paul School will always have a special place in our hearts.”